Sunday, January 26, 2014

Welcome to Albuquerque

My first day in Albuquerque was not without its problems. Therefore the "tongue-in-cheek" title of this posting. Called my cousin about meeting for breakfast. Seems he was not up yet. Headed to the breakfast here in the motel. He called at I was eating my waffle.

Decided on breakfast tomorrow. He was not up for a bicycle ride as he had some pipes (he makes some awesome looking pipe - the kind you smoke).

Unloaded the bicycles from te car rack and stored into the room. Moved some other stuff from the car into the room. Rested and prepared for a bike ride. Great weather for a bicycle ride - mid 50s and sun, a little wind from the South. Riding the North Diversion Channel Trail as I could ride from my room. Riding the Bosque, there would could be issues with parking at trailheads with the weather.

Rode North to Paseo del Norde and took a break. The photo here is my hybrid at that location.

Riding much slower on the way back as I was having a headwind and the trail is a little up hill in this direction. About 4 miles from the motel, I realized I had a flat on the rear. Stopped at the big tree alone the trail (at tree I have photographed several times) to contemplate it i walk the bike to the room or try to change the tube.

A young man stopped on his bike to see if I needed something. Worked in a bicycle shop in Kentucky and is here in the Air Force. He changed the tube for me. He also noticed I had a broken spoke. Looks like this bike has to go into the shop in the morning.

By the time I was nearing back to my room, I was just about spent. Walked some of the last 0.1 mile. Bonked or very close to it. But, damn, I got in 11 miles! My first ride for the year.

When i got to my room, the key card would not work. Went to the office. Asked the air-head clerk (some one that checked me in last night) is she had programed the key for just one night or the 8 nights left on my stay, She did not answered my questions. Just gave m a song and dance that is should work when I get back tomorrow night - if not they would program it again that night.

Changed clothes and headed for Applebees. All the way back on my ride i was thinking of having a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich at Applebees. I was not to be. They have dropped the sandwich from their menu. DRATS! Settled for a bacon-cheese burger, fries, and a brew.

Gassed the car and picked up a couple quarts of Powerade Zero to replenish my electrolytes. Early to bed tonight..

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NaugaBike

About Me

Into my 11th year of cycling. My passion is singletrack, but its getting more difficult for me. Also ride bike paths, Rails-2-trails and streets (for some variety).
Member of IMBA, Albuquerque Mountain Bike Association, Sierra Club, National Parks Foundation, High Desert ARC.
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